Cosmetology at Waukesha County Technical College

Waukesha County Technical College's cosmetology program stands out nationally but shows more moderate performance within Wisconsin's competitive beauty education landscape. At $27,049 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 58% more than the national median for cosmetology programs—placing this in the 95th percentile nationally. However, within Wisconsin, where cosmetology programs generally perform better than average, it ranks at the 60th percentile, trailing several in-state alternatives that also produce stronger outcomes.

The financial picture is manageable: $9,750 in median debt translates to just over four months of first-year earnings, one of the better debt-to-income ratios you'll find in vocational beauty programs. This is particularly important in cosmetology, where earnings potential depends heavily on building a client base over time. The relatively low debt burden gives graduates flexibility during those crucial early career years.

Keep in mind the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort—which means individual circumstances can skew these numbers significantly. If your child is committed to cosmetology and planning to stay in Wisconsin, this program offers solid preparation without crushing debt. However, if geography isn't a constraint, programs like Aveda Institute-Madison or The Institute of Beauty and Wellness show slightly higher earning potential at similar or lower debt levels.